Shaka was snapped up by the Hammers after becoming available on a free transfer. The move spells something of a homecoming for the player who was born in Hackney, but moved to Trinidad with his parents when he was two. Kevin Keegan recruited Shaka from Reading for 1.5m in the summer of 1995. The 6ft 4ins 'keeper fought a battle for first team supremacy at St James's with Pavel Srnicek and Shay Given. A graduate in mechanical engineering at Howard University, Washington, Shaka enjoyed a superb first season with the Hammers keeping 15 clean sheets in 98/99 campaign. Unfortunately for Hislop, the 1999/00 season proved to be a nightmare for the giant keeper. Despite a solid start to the campaign, Hislop's season was brought to an abrupt end in February when he broke his leg in an innocuous incident in the home clash with Bradford. Hislop will now be hoping he can make a quick-fire recovery in time for the start of the new campaign and reclaim the number one jersey at Upton Park.



SHAKA HISLOPGOALKEEPER
Date of Birth:22nd Feburary 1969
Birthplace:Hackney, London
Height:6'4"
Date signed:July 1998
Signed from:Newcastle
Transfer fee:Free transfer
International honours:England 'B international
Previous Clubs:Newcastle
Baltimore Blast
Reading